EDITORIAL
HEAT OFF OF EMPLOYEE’S FEET
It ’s important to consider footwear which offers the wearer the benefits
of comfort and breathability that will make a positive difference to the working day, says Haix group.
Working outdoors can be a challenge, particularly when temperatures across the UK continue to fluctuate. Working under the summer heat or in a humid environment can increase the risk of dehydration and exhaustion. It also causes feet to overheat and sweat; especially for those already working in warmer conditions in industries including metal production and construction.
In accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to make a suitable assessment of risks to the health and safety of their employees, evaluating the severity of temperatures and weather conditions during the working day.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights that the temperature of the workplace is a potential hazard that needs to be addressed to adhere with legal obligations. Rising air temperatures from fluctuating weather conditions interact with radiant temperature, humidity and air velocity. When these components combine, hazards in the workplace can start to appear and escalate which can negatively impact workers and their health. Possible conditions can vary from heat stroke, fatigue and even heat syncope which can cause the dilation of the blood vessels, fainting and nausea.
The difficulty for employers is identifying the maximum temperature suitable for their workforce within specific sectors, and how to know when to relieve workers. The HSE advises the best way to prevent health hazards caused from hot weather conditions is for employers and employees to establish suitable means of coping with such temperatures. From these discussions, appropriate and preventable methods can be found, such as workwear that can deliver support in the summer heat.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOTWEAR When feet overheat, especially for prolonged periods, this can cause excessive sweating and rubbing. Such circumstances could lead to athlete’s foot and painful
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blistering, as well as stinging, itching and burning of the feet. Suffering from athlete’s foot, persistent blistering and poor foot health generally will affect the working day and irritations will not be able to heal if the feet continue to overheat.
Quality work boots can proficiently support workforces who need to stand on their feet for prolonged periods outside in sweltering temperatures. Footwear that keeps feet dry in a broad range of temperatures is necessary to reduce the risks of over-sweating and rubbing.
A key feature for employers and employees to be aware of is breathability which helps provide a comfortable climate inside footwear and keeps feet feeling fresh, decreasing the risk of sweating and excessive moisture occurring.
Work boot designs that initiate air flow away from the feet reduces the risk of poor foot health caused from overheating and rubbing. GORE-TEX Footwear Technology helps workers feet stay cool in rising temperatures reducing discomfort and strain caused by the heat.
HAIX, specialist in functional and safety footwear, incorporates the fully waterproof and highly breathable GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Technology membrane within its footwear range. This 3-layer laminate is durably waterproof yet also breathable which allows warm air, sweat and moisture to be expelled, protecting feet from the potential of swelling and extreme perspiring.
https://www.haix.co.uk/haix- black-eagle-safety-50-mid
The HAIX Black Eagle Safety 50 Mid are also made from lightweight leather, with special pigments that prevent sweating by reflecting the rays of sun to avoid any overheating. The boots are also the ideal PPE for colder weathers as the sole provides outstanding insulation. Low and high versions are available.
www.haix.co.uk 5 TAKE THE
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